3 Must-Have Automated Systems to Grow Your Online Business

There comes a time in every business owner’s life where you realize you simply cannot do it all yourself.

Sure, when you’re just getting started you really are the role of “all in one- get it done” . But as your business grows, it becomes painfully obvious that trying to do everything by yourself is only going to lead to:

Frustration (when critical tasks don’t get done and deadlines are missed)
Burn out (when you’re working yet another 12-hour day)
Overwhelm (when your to-do list is longer at the end of the day than it was at the beginning)

In my last blog—we discuss all of these, and how unfortunately, I wasn't exempt from doing down that same path myself.

So, after stepping back, remembering my why, and revising my short-term goals—I realized that if I didn’t want to go back down that same road again, I was going to have to make a few more changes (ok several changes).

The first change, decrease the number of task I’m physically required to show up and do, and increase the amount of automation in my business.

Can you imagine a completely hands-off system that works for you even when you’re spending quality time with family or lounging at the spa?

Now if that doesn’t sell you, here’s an even better reason to automate: it lets you scale your business.

Think about it, the less manual work you have to do, the more time you have to do the money-making tasks (mentioned in the June blog) such as networking, marketing and client support.

So just what systems can you automate?

Truthfully, just about everything, but I’d suggest you start with the following…..

Email Funnels

What happens when a new subscriber joins your mailing list or someone buys a product? Do they just sit in waiting on your list until you have time to send an email?

While broadcast emails have their place—especially in time-sensitive promotions—be sure to also set up an autoresponder series, which does the following:

*Welcome new subscribers and help them find their way around your site (and your offers)

*Nurture buyers so they know they’re in the right place

*Make additional offers based on what someone has already purchased or shown an interest in

And the best thing?

Once your autoresponder is set up, it will continue to work even when you’re not.

AJ’s Resource: www.convertkit.com

Social Media Management

Yes, it’s important to be personable and engaging on social media. But that doesn’t mean you have to log in to Facebook just to post a link to your latest blog or YouTube video.

Automate those kinds of updates and save yourself hours of time each and every month. Not only that, but you won’t have to worry about missing updates, either!

AJ’s Resource: www.later.com

Calendar Management

Rather than wasting time with endless back-and-forth emails when trying to find a mutually available time slot, all you have to do is send your calendar link and let your client/partner/ project manager, or anyone else choose a time that works best for them.

Your appointment will automatically appear on your calendar, and you’ll even get reminders (that is, if supported by your calendar).

AJ’s resource: www.calendly.com

In closing, these are just a few, however there are dozens of options for automating every aspect of your online business.

Of course, as you grow, you’ll find new and better tools to make everything run more smoothly, but for now, though, implementing these three ideas will save you hours of time every month.

Peace & Blessings!!